Solar Power for Nkuyu School

Light and security

A solar power system was successfully installed at the remote Nkuyu School in southern Malawi in August 2024. The school, located about 35 kilometres from Blantyre, previously had no access to electricity—a situation that severely limited learning and endangered the safety of both pupils and teachers. Evening classes were not possible without electricity, and traveling in the dark was dangerous.

Installation of the solar power system has changed a lot: three classrooms, the headteacher’s office, and the teachers’ houses now have electricity. This not only means light for lessons but also means evening classes can be offered. Both pupils and adults can now study or take courses in the evenings. Regular evening study could make a significant difference, especially for the school, which has a pass rate of only 25%. Until now, solar lamps were available for a fee—a cost that many families could not afford. Candles, which were used as an alternative, were expensive and posed a safety risk.

Light for the school and the local community

Increased security – even after dark

The solar system not only brings light to the classrooms, but also to the entire school grounds and the village paths. This increases safety for girls and women when they are out alone in the dark. Illuminated paths reduce the risk of assault. The lights also deter wild animals such as snakes and hyenas, which are part of the landscape in Malawi.

Technology that brings the future

Successful installation.

The solar system consists of a 5.4 kW solar PV array mounted on the school roof, a 5 kVA Phoenix Smart inverter and a 10 kWh Freedom Won battery bank. This system serves as the primary and only source of electricity for the school. The hybrid solar PV system has been supplying reliable power since its installation, enabling uninterrupted operation even when there is no direct sunlight. The constant energy supply not only ensures the smooth running of the school, but also supports other planned projects, such as the water supply.

A step towards economic independence.

The solar system opens up economic opportunities for the school: plans are in place for a barbershop to generate additional income, which will be used to maintain the system. There are also plans to set up a small business centre where computers and printers can be used for a fee. This income will help the school to finance itself in the long term and carry out necessary repairs to the system.

Local maintenance

To ensure that the solar system will continue to function reliably in the future, two local employees – including one woman, which is still unusual in Malawi – have been specially trained to maintain the system. They are responsible for ensuring that the technology runs smoothly and that minor repairs are carried out. The school has also hired a security service to protect the system from theft.

Jointly financed, sustainably implemented

The project costs the equivalent of around €23,000. Most of the hardware was financed by ProCent who contributed around €17,000. The remaining amount was covered by the organisation Sopowerful which also coordinated the installation on site. The Christian Liebig Stiftung e.V. played a central role in this project as mediator: it established contact with ProCent, which got the project off the ground.

The solar project in Nkuyu is an impressive example of how sustainable energy supply can promote not only learning, but also economic independence and security. It is an important step towards improving the future of the school and the people.

The system is maintained by local staff.

Photos: Sopowerful Foundation